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New bill promotes chemical castration for sex offenders
Knesset committee begins deliberation over proposal that could see Israel use chemical castration as method for rehabilitating sexual predators
The Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Sunday deliberated over a bill that could revolutionize the way the State treats convicted sex offenders.
The plan is set to cost NIS 23 million ($6.75 million) a year and will allow the offenders to control their sexual impulses and become reintegrated in society and the workforce.
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After their release from prison, sex offenders often suffer from difficulties in integrating in society because of the close supervision that limits their freedom of movement and employment.
Legalities
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The bill, which was first proposed in 2006, has three parts. Two parts have already been implemented, now the third part – which deals with the rehabilitation of offenders – is set to be brought before the committee for approval, with hopes that it will go through its second and third reading by the end of the summer session.
According to the plan, any sexual offender who is considered a "low risk offender" will be able to receive the treatment.
The treatment combines administration of a chemical drug to depress the sexual urges together with intensive mental treatment during which the patient will learn how to control his urges and adapt a healthy lifestyle.
While participation in the program is not mandatory, the incentives are clear. A sexual offender who takes part in the plan is expected to decrease his risk level significantly and thus increase the freedom of movement and chances of integration within the workforce.
The solution proposed in the bill includes the establishment of a new and comprehensive system that will incorporate hostels and special teams that will be trained to deal with helping sexual offenders to rehabilitate themselves. The program will also allow offenders still serving their sentences to begin treatment while in prison.
"This is a very important bill that aims to protect the public from those offenders," said the Chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee David Rotem (Yisrael Beiteinu).
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